Running Wild

The Grand Cliff Top Track will take runners from the start at Fairmont Resort to Lilian’s Bridge. Those running the long course turn left, passing the Edinburgh Castle Rock sign, along more single trail and stairs before turning right onto single trail, leading to an old 4WD track which loops back to the Conservation Hut. Short course runners turn right from Lilian’s Bridge to head up the stairs towards the Conservation Hut.

Both races run along the Short Cut Track towards the Wentworth Falls picnic area. Proceed to the carpark and run along the footpath that is Sir H Burrell Drive (do NOT proceed down to Jamison lookout as per UTA). Pick up the trail (heading down the stairs) at the far end of the footpath. Once on the Wentworth Falls track (heading towards Charles Darwin Walk), turn right to cross the creek (near Weeping Rock) towards the Chester Road fire trail – there will be a marshal at the creek crossing. (The new course does not include the Charles Darwin Walk.) Follow an old 4WD track uphill to the bottom of Chester Road (long course 7.4 km, short course 5.4 km).

Long course runners pick up another old 4WD track that hugs a fence line along the back of some houses, then turns right downhill following a powerline. This trail emerges on an old fire trail at the foot of Little Switzerland Drive. Turn right through the gate. 600 metres beyond the gate, turn left onto the single track taking you back towards the spectacular Wentworth Falls.

Meanwhile, short course runners turn right at Chester Road and head down the Chester fire trail before turning right onto the rugged single track that emerges very close to the top of the Wentworth Falls.

Both courses head along the top of the falls, up some stairs, continue past Fletchers lookout and straight onto the Undercliff Track (DO NOT proceed up the stairs on the right). At 10.7 km (long course) and 7.8 km (short course) take the short bridge to your left that now becomes the Overcliff Track. Along the Overcliff Track both races pass some of the prettiest lookouts along the entire race – firstly Breakfast Point lookout followed by Lyrebird lookout. If you’re so inclined, stopping for a minute or two to take the views in will not disappoint. Stay on the Overciff Track until you come to the Valley of the Waters Track. Here, both courses part company again.

PLEASE NOTE: The distance to the Valley of the Waters Track is 12 km for the long course and 9 km and for the short course. You need to get there in under 2 hours to avoid the cut off.

Long course runners turn right onto Valley of the Waters Track, past Conservation Hut and retrace your steps for a reverse loop around the Nature Track. Cross Lilian’s Bridge and you’re on your way home.

Short course turn left onto Valley of the Waters Track, down the stairs and turn left over Lilian’s Bridge to return to the Fairmont for a well-earned result.

The 6 km race will not be held in 2023, but for future years, this course traces the short course race from the start, to as far as the Short Cut track, but then continues on past the Conservation Hut, loops around the Nature Track back to Lilian’s Bridge before returning to the Fairmont.

Results can be found on Tempus Sports Timing.